Everyone was fixated on Nick, still staring out the window while he told us what he saw.
Claire asked, “What was the time frame?”
Henry cleared his throat, getting our attention. “The change usually happens anywhere from five to fifteen minutes. There isn’t much time between bite, suspended animation, then reanimation. It truly depends on the wound. Plus, it’s very aggressive.”
“And you know all of this because…?” Nate seemed to be questioning Henry’s knowledge.
“Let’s just say I’m experienced with the change.” I almost got the feeling he wasn’t telling us something. Henry clapped his hands together before anyone else could interrupt him. “Alright. Well…the only thing left is weapons.”
He walked to the trunk and pulled out his keys. He opened it and started to display his arsenal of weapons. There was everything from small guns to shotguns, double-sided axes to different types of rifles.
Henry pulled out the shotgun that he had used earlier in the day. “This is a twelve gauge, pump-action Remington. It’s high-powered, has a decent recoil, and holds six plus one rounds.” He checked to make sure the shotgun was empty. “I’ll show you how to load it when we need it. You’ll need to find a wide stance and pump.” He put himself in a wide stance and showed us how to pump it. “Take aim quickly, and pull the trigger.” He raised the gun and pulled the trigger. Click. “You will need to pump before each shot.”
Then Henry grabbed a rifle. It was scary looking and he smiled when he picked it up. He was in his element. “This beauty is one of my favorites. It’s an H&K, and it has the ability to shoot seven hundred and fifty rounds per minute. If you hold down the trigger, you’ll blow through ammo. I ask that no one uses this unless you are experienced. I’d rather not spend my entire cache of ammo in one outing. It will only be used when we need high volume.”
Henry pulled out another rifle. Again, with a smile. I didn’t understand his joy over the weapons. “This is a sniper rifle. An AWS. It’s good for picking off the buggers at a distance. About three hundred meters. I have two of these. Again, I ask you to refrain from using this unless you have experience.”
Lastly, he pulled out several identical handguns. “These Sigs are what we will be using for the most part. They conceal nicely.” He turned around and lifted the back of his shirt. His Sig was neatly tucked into the back of his pants. “This is what I normally carry, and what I had at our wedding.”
Wait, normally carry? How did I miss that he had been carrying a gun?
He continued, “I have twenty round clips for each one of them. I do not have an unlimited supply of bullets, though. Until we can hit up a sporting goods store to grab more, we need to conserve as much as possible. That’s why we have these.” He picked up a couple of axes and knives.
“Those will make them dead dead?” asked Nate.
“You have to make sure you damage their brains with these. It will make the undeads true dead.”
“True dead?” Holy shit, not again.
“Yes, true dead,” Henry growled.
“I’ll take that gun, thank you.” Nate reached over to grab the shotgun. Henry reached out and grabbed his wrist with such speed, it amazed me. Nate whimpered in pain. I have a feeling if he squeezed his wrist any harder it would have snapped.
“You do not touch these unless I hand you one.”
“You just said we will get weapons.” Nate was really pissed.
“I will hand out what I think you can handle. And you, Mr. Fabulous, will not be able to handle that shotgun. It has a major kick. Got it?”
“How do you know what I can or cannot handle?” Nate snapped.
I sighed. I wish people would just shut the fuck up. I exhaled, at great length, in annoyance.
“I’m highly trained in weaponry. You just have to trust that I know what I’m doing.” He handed Nate a handgun. “You can start with this and, if I have time, I will train you all on the other ones.”
“Gee, thanks.” Nate shrunk back into the couch with his new, unwanted toy.
Henry glared at him. “Like I said, conserve. It’s late. Everyone try to get some rest. Sophie should be here in a couple of hours. Do not open the door for her. Come and get me, and I will let her in.” Everyone nodded. “Now, Elaina and I are going to get some rest, and I suggest you do the same.” Henry turned and walked toward the bedroom.
Nick sarcastically saluted him.
“Nick, quit your shit.”
“I don’t trust him.”
“Then give me your Sig and take a fucking hike.” I pointed at the door. Nick swallowed hard. I held out my hand, waiting.